The offseason is a time for position battles with new or unproven players getting a chance to showcase their talents in preparations for the fall. Who has the chance to be the surprise player this season for the Red Raiders? Here is breakout candidate No. 4:
Dalton Rigdon
Year: Senior
Position: Wide receiver
2021 stats: 13 receptions, 133 yards, and 0 TDs in seven games played
The buzz surrounding the potential of Dalton Rigdon became palpable after the 2019 season.
As a sophomore, Rigdon was a true breakout performer, leading all inside receivers on the team with 34 catches, 486 yards, and five touchdowns. As a result, the player who reeled in just 29 yards in the year prior was awarded with a surprise scholarship by head coach Matt Wells.
The numbers from 2019 could have been even higher, but the wideout suffered an injury against TCU that sidelined him for the remaining 2.5 games of the season. Rigdon came into the 2020 campaign with confidence but he once again struggled to stay healthy.
This time, it was the ribs that gave the Perryton native problems. After starting at the slot receiver position for the season opener, Rigdon suffered the injury a few weeks later which caused him to miss all but one game in the month of October.
When he returned, the speedy pass-catcher saw limited action in two games in November, pulling in three catches for 24 yards. In all, Rigdon started two games in 2020 after doing so ten times in 2019.
The injury setback provided a big hit for Texas Tech’s short passing game, as Rigdon had aspirations of winning all-conference honors heading in.
“Really, I guess the next step is trying to get on that Big 12 platform of getting votes for being an All-Big 12 selection and, honestly, just continuing to improve my game every day,” Rigdon said in a press conference leading up to the 2020 season opener against Houston Baptist.
When healthy, the former track and field state champion provides speed and elusiveness to the Red Raiders’ interior. With KeSean Carter leaving for Houston, there is once again a chance for Rigdon to emerge as a high-caliber threat on the inside.
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Find more Texas Tech coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
The Link LonkMarch 23, 2021 at 09:02PM
https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/texas-tech-red-raiders/2021/03/23/texas-tech-offseason-breakout-candidate-no-4-do-not-forget-about-dalton-rigdon/
Texas Tech offseason breakout candidates: Don’t forget about slot WR Dalton Rigdon - The Dallas Morning News
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